Magnifical
Jump to: ISBEWebster'sThesaurusLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The term "magnifical" is an archaic English word that appears in the context of the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament. It is used to describe something that is grand, splendid, or magnificent, often in relation to the construction and adornment of sacred spaces or objects dedicated to the worship of God.

Biblical Reference:

The word "magnifical" is found in 1 Chronicles 22:5, where King David speaks of the temple that his son Solomon is to build for the Lord. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

1 Chronicles 22:5 : "Now David said, 'My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I will make preparations for it.' So David made extensive preparations before his death."

In this context, "magnifical" is used to describe the temple's intended grandeur and splendor, reflecting the glory and majesty of God Himself. David's vision for the temple was that it would not only serve as a place of worship but also stand as a testament to the greatness of the God of Israel, renowned throughout the nations.

Theological Significance:

The use of the term "magnifical" underscores the importance of offering the best to God, a principle that is evident throughout the Scriptures. The temple was to be a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, and its magnificence was to reflect His holiness and glory. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God is deserving of the highest honor and the most excellent offerings.

The preparation and construction of the temple also highlight the collaborative effort between divine providence and human responsibility. While God provided the vision and resources, it was up to David and Solomon to execute the plan with diligence and reverence. This partnership between God and His people is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing that while God is sovereign, He often chooses to work through human agents to accomplish His purposes.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, temples were not only religious centers but also symbols of a nation's wealth, power, and devotion to their deity. The construction of a "magnifical" temple would have been a significant undertaking, requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and careful planning. David's extensive preparations, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 22, included gathering materials such as gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, as well as enlisting skilled craftsmen.

The grandeur of Solomon's temple, as described in the biblical narrative, would have served as a powerful witness to the surrounding nations of Israel's devotion to their God and His supremacy over all other gods. It was intended to be a place where God's name would dwell, where His people could come to worship, and where the nations could witness His glory.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the concept of "magnifical" can serve as a reminder of the call to excellence in all things dedicated to God. Whether in worship, service, or daily living, Christians are encouraged to offer their best to the Lord, reflecting His glory in their actions and attitudes. The principle of giving God the highest honor remains relevant, urging believers to pursue holiness and excellence in their spiritual walk.

In summary, the term "magnifical" in the biblical context points to the grandeur and splendor befitting the worship of the Almighty God, serving as a model for the devotion and reverence that believers are called to embody in their relationship with Him.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(a.) Grand; splendid; illustrious; magnificent.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MAGNIFICAL

mag-nif'-i-kal (gadhal, in Hiphil "to make great"): Old form retained from Genevan version in 1 Chronicles 22:5; in the American Standard Revised Version "magnificent."

Library

August 16 Morning
... AUGUST 16 MORNING. The house that is to be builded for the Lord must be
exceeding magnifical."I:CHR.22:5. Ye . . . as lively stones ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/august 16 morning.htm

June 4 Morning
... The house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame
and of glory throughout all countries."The glory of the Lord. . . ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/june 4 morning.htm

One Worker Preparing for Another
... His temple must be 'exceeding magnifical', and my son Solomon must build it, so
I must go on gathering the materials." So he just roused himself afresh, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... Though the house was "exceeding magnifical," yet the Lord God had of old dwelt within
curtains, and never was His worship more glorious than within the tent of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... The Church is the living temple of God, "exceeding magnifical." It is a wondrous
idea that men's hearts and souls can be blended together, and built up into a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... habitation for the infinite Jehovah, and so the Lord will stoop a little further,
and be unto his people, not as the sanctuary "exceedingly magnifical," but as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... The temple of Solomon, however beautiful for situation glorious for its splendor,
and "exceeding magnifical," was not fit for thy dwelling place. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Thesaurus
Magnifical
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Grand; splendid; illustrious; magnificent.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAGNIFICAL. mag-nif'-i ...
/m/magnifical.htm - 6k

Revised
... The removal of obsolete words ("magnifical," "neesings," etc.) has been effected
fairly thoroughly, obsolete constructions ("jealous over," etc.) have been ...
/r/revised.htm - 12k

Magnates (2 Occurrences)

/m/magnates.htm - 7k

Magnificat

/m/magnificat.htm - 7k

American
... The removal of obsolete words ("magnifical," "neesings," etc.) has been effected
fairly thoroughly, obsolete constructions ("jealous over," etc.) have been ...
/a/american.htm - 13k

Version
... The removal of obsolete words ("magnifical," "neesings," etc.) has been effected
fairly thoroughly, obsolete constructions ("jealous over," etc.) have been ...
/v/version.htm - 37k

David (1052 Occurrences)
... great temple at Jerusalem, which it was reserved to his successor to build (1
Chronicles 22; 28; 29), a house which was to be "exceeding magnifical, of fame ...
/d/david.htm - 93k

Resources
Magnifical: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Magnates
Top of Page
Top of Page